Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) vs Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)
DistilleryLagavulinTobermory
RegionIslayIsland
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV56.5%58.6%
Age12 yr19 yr
Price£250£199
Rating5.00/5

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value20/100

Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Smoke67/100
Sweetness0/100
Beginner20/100
Value0/100

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is better value at £199 vs £250.

For beginners: Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is more approachable (20/100 beginner score).

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (56.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£250 vs £199)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£199 vs £250)
  • +Longer maturation (19 vs 12 years)

Cons

  • High ABV (58.6%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)
  • Dry and austere — not for those who prefer sweeter drams

Who should buy Lagavulin?

Lagavulin 12 Year Old (Special Release 2017) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Ledaig?

Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Both taste of

SmokeyMedicinalOilyKippery

Only Ledaig 19 Year Old 1995 (cask 42.15) - (The Scotch Malt Whisky Society)

Leathery

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